Lancaster City Council has voiced its support for local arts organisations – including those whose funding has been cut by the Arts Council this week (see news story).

 “We recognise the huge value of arts and cultural activities in the Lancaster district and the important role the local arts sector plays in contributing to the local economy,” Heather McManus, Deputy Chief Executive of Lancaster City Council, told virtual-lancaster, “attracting visitors, providing jobs and improving the quality of life for local people.

“We support the Arts Council’s core commitment to those organisations it is continuing to fund. We will continue to work in partnership with the Arts Council and other organisations in the district in reviewing future provision of local arts and cultural activities and how these can be best supported in the future.

“At budget council this year, Lancaster City Council allocated more than £195,000 to local arts organisations including More Music Morecambe, Litfest, The Dukes, Ludus, The Storey Creative Industries Centre and the Storey Gallery.”